The recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the detention of its president have sparked worry regarding America's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important island following the events in South America.
Inflammatory Messages and Diplomatic Outrage
Only a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is the spouse of a senior presidential adviser, posted a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "SOON."
This overt suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are strong partners and should keep work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The ambassador further pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, earmarking a substantial sum expressly for Northern and regional security. "Furthermore, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the previous appointment of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, stating it was an "privilege" to work in a volunteer capacity to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy praised the administration's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."
Since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is viewed as critically strategic for defence and potential resource extraction. It already hosts the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a notable television appearance, the leader refused to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing global competition in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Local Resistance
In reaction to this persistent "rhetoric" of threats, Denmark's intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the option to declare sovereignty for over a decade.
Expert View: A Plausible Scenario?
Some experts are increasingly reconsidering the possibility of such a action. One thinktank analyst focusing in military analysis conceded she had previously discounted the rhetoric but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a few hundred or a few thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
